Capitals Extend Defenseman Bobby Nardella

Photo: @Capitals

CapFriendly is reporting that the Washington Capitals have extended defensive prospect Bobby Nardella. The two sides have agreed on a two-year extension that will keep the 25-year-old under contract through 2022-23.

The contract carries the minimum NHL salary of $750K and is two-way this coming season, at $110K in the minors, before transitioning to one-way in year two.

Bobby Nardella #Caps
2 year contract extension
$750k cap hit

2021-22: $750,000 / $110,000 minors
2022-23: $750,000 https://t.co/P3mTNTniOx

— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) June 17, 2021

Nardella, also signed by Capitals scout Danny Brooks, saw the COVID shutdown coming and signed for a full season with Djurgarden in the Swedish Hockey League. He thrived on the team, leading all skaters in points, driving Djurgarden’s power play and providing leadership by the end of the season.

Bobby Nardella (@Capitals) is sure having himself a time in the SHL. Another two assists for Nardella in @DIFHockeyse action.@NDHockey alumni.https://t.co/sMPUevRCqN pic.twitter.com/VRCJ8psJUy

— EP Rinkside (@EPRinkside) January 8, 2021

Nardella recorded 33 points in 47 games this year in just his second professional season. He led Djurgardens in scoring and finished in the top five among SHL defenseman.

Bobby Nardella med sitt första SHL-mål! @DIFHockeyse #twittpuck #shl pic.twitter.com/NlABJLolpP

— C More Sport (@cmoresport) December 5, 2020

The only downside for his development year was a knee injury he sustained towards the end of the season. The MRI’s have come back negative, but it was decided that Nardella not join the Bears for additional games at the end of the season.

Bobby Nardella with his 4th goal of the season tonight. He played a game high 23:34. Nardella now has 2g, 3a in last 5 games. He now has 4g, 14a in 25 games for Djurgarden. #ALLCAPS #CapsProspect pic.twitter.com/d3yM4CMo7W

— Jon Sorensen (@jon_m_sorensen) January 13, 2021

Nardella’s size will always be a concern at the NHL level, but his shot and scoring capabilities could offset that. He will get a look by the Capitals at some point in the coming season.

By Jon Sorensen